The magnitude of the event was inevitably going to put additional strain on safety and security at the final. Despite this, the measures in place clearly failed. People stormed the stadium through accessible entrances and disabled fans experienced further issues with overcrowding of wheelchair user viewing areas.
Level Playing Field has spoken to fans who attended the final, and they have made their views clear. It was a frightening experience that has put people off attending in the future. We have heard from ambulant disabled fans who had to stand hours on end and are still suffering the effects today.
We also heard from a wheelchair user who was ‘hijacked’ by someone impersonating a steward, attempting to gain entry.
This review needs to go into fine detail about the targeted abuse of accessible entrances, stewarding processes and procedures and the lasting impact on disabled fans.
This cannot be the lasting legacy of Euro 2020, and we urge Baroness Casey of Blackstock to adopt a more holistic, coordinated review, looking at the events both in and outside the perimeter of Wembley and embracing travel and policing arrangements on the day.
If you have been affected by any of the issues during the Euro 2020 Final, please contact Wembley Stadium and also get in touch with Centre for Access to Football in Europe (CAFE) fans liaison, access and administration officer Amy Wilson via amy@cafefootball.eu